Library Accessibility
VIU Library is committed to providing accessible and inclusive spaces, services and collections that support the needs of all members of our community. Read our pledge. If you experience barriers using the library, whether in-person or online, we encourage you to contact us so we can work to accommodate your needs.
For non-library related academic accommodations and services, please contact VIU Accessibility Services.
Navigating the Nanaimo campus library
The Nanaimo campus library is located in building 305 across floors three, four, and five. The main entrance is located on the south side of the third floor, with elevator access via the second floor east entrance or fourth floor overhead walkway. Throughout the library, there are round blue decals on the floor which indicate the most accessible route to take for people with mobility challenges. Read more about accessible entrances and washrooms at the library or view barrier-reduced routes at Nanaimo campus.
Five ergonomic office chairs have been provided by Accessibility Services for use in the library. These chairs are located next to the Library Service Desk and may be borrowed by those who need them on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Free lockers are also available to VIU students. Book one online for up to one week at a time. Lockers are located near the main entrance of the library next to the gender-inclusive washroom.
Third floor
The Library Service Desk, Student Technology Help and in-person Research Help are located on the third floor at a centralized service desk. Most of this floor is a collaborative, busy space with computers, print stations, large tables and rooms for group study. Two drop-in silent study spaces are located along the east wall. The Alder and Spruce study rooms, Madrona Room and Family Space line the west wall of this floor. The Marni Stanley Graphic Narratives and VIU Reads collections, as well as the CD, map, microfilm cabinets, and Fir and Maple study rooms are located around the central staircase. Accessible workstations are located in front of the Library Service Desk.
Fourth floor
Most of the library's print resources, including the "Stacks" and "Curriculum Lab" shelves, are located on the fourth floor. This floor is for quiet study, so low-volume conversation and collaboration are acceptable. High-top seating is available around the central staircase and a variety of smaller and larger tables are located throughout the space. The Pine, Oak and Cedar group study rooms are located on this floor, as well as the Writing Centre.
For more information on VIU Library's print collections, visit our Physical Collections page.
Fifth floor
The library occupies some of the fifth floor. Since this floor is shared with offices, it is available for silent study only. Tables and comfortable chairs are available next to the centralized staircase. Room 509 and the Library Instruction Lab (room 508) are available for drop-in silent study when the posted schedule next to each door indicates there are no bookings.
Study rooms
Every group study room, the silent study spaces, the Madrona Room and the Family Space are configured to be accessible. The layout, seating and technology available in each room varies. Read more about or book group study rooms.
The two audio and video editing rooms in the library have weighted doors that are not connected to power operators. Please contact the library for more information. Read more about or book editing rooms.
Assistive equipment for loan
The VIU Library equipment loans collection includes a wide range of items that can be used to support students' accessibility needs. This equipment is intended for short-term use and can be reserved up to two weeks in advance. If you need continuous access to assistive technology, please connect with VIU Accessibility Services.
Browse the Focus and Sensory Support category to view most of the assistive equipment available. Some equipment, such as audio recorders, microphones and headphones are available to book under their own designated categories.
Assistive equipment links
Accessible workstations
Three accessible workstations are located on the third floor in front of the Library Service Desk. These spaces can be booked by VIU students and employees up to one week in advance, or are available for drop-in use when there are no bookings. Each station features a height-adjustable desk and varying assistive technology. Please use headphones while playing audio or video from these workstations.
Read more about each individual station below, or learn more about assistive technology and web resources available at VIU.
Access Station 1 features a computer with a high-contrast, large print keyboard, a trackball mouse and a 27-inch monitor.
All of the library computers, including the one at this workstation, come with Kurzweil 3000 installed. Kurzweil 3000 is an assistive technology tool providing text-to-speech functionality to support reading, writing and study skills. It is helpful for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and for English as a second language learners. VIU has a site license for Kurzweil, so all students and employees can access the software on-campus for free. Create a Kurzweil account and follow the instructions in the email you receive to get started.
Access Station 2 features a computer with a 27-inch monitor and the standard Library Commons software installed, which includes Kurzweil 3000. ZoomText 2020, a customizable magnifying tool, is also installed on this computer. This software features a range of options for adjusting the colours, brightness and contrast of screen content, and can enlarge screen content up to 60x.
Access Station 3 is an electronic magnification station. Please note this station does not have a computer.
Merlin HD Desktop Magnifier is an assistive technology tool that enlarges and optimizes an image of any item placed on its X-Y base table. This station is equipped with a 24-inch monitor that displays the enhanced item. Users can adjust their view by increasing the size of the image (16 settings) and changing the brightness of the display. There are also seven display modes to choose from, including full colour, black and white, an enhanced positive or negative image, and multiple colour contrast options. The Merlin magnifier base table and monitor screen are adjustable to further improve the user's comfort, and the controls are large and tactile to accommodate users with low vision.
Retrieving print materials
Library employees are happy to retrieve print materials for borrowers who would like assistance or who are unable to access certain areas of our shelving. Contact the Library Service Desk for assistance, or place a hold on an item in the catalogue and choose your pickup location. Holds can also be delivered to your home by mail by selecting "VIU Library - Mail Delivery" as your pickup location.
Requesting alternative formats
Eligible members of the VIU community can access a wide range of accessible materials through the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS). NNELS is an online public library of books for people with a print disabilities in audiobook, DAISY, PDF, EPUB, e-text, electronic Braille and other formats.
Eligible users include individuals with print disabilities or people acting on their behalf. Print disabilities include vision, mobility and comprehension impairments that prevent individuals from being able to read a print book. While many NNELS titles are available to all, including those in the BC Open Textbook Collection, most titles are protected by copyright and require a NNELS account to access. Users are encouraged to browse the NNELS collection to explore available resources.
For more information or to request a self-declaration form to set up a NNELS account, please contact the library by email at library@viu.ca or by phone at 250.740.6330. VIU Accessibility Services can also assist with acquiring materials in alternative formats.
